. >> i've never seen anything remotely close to what hurricane sandy was. >> reporter: sandy was a worth-case scenario storm. millions lost power, thousands lost homes, and over 130 people lost their lives. new jersey new york and connecticut were the hardest hit. they're also home to some of the biggest names in music. >> i was here during the storm. it was scary. >> to witness my city and the tri-state area really going through something where nobody could control it. >> this was just complete and entire buildings washed away into the sea. >> reporter: 121212, the concert for sandy relief at madison square garden is being called one of the biggest music events of all time. >> we called bruce springsteen and paul mccartney and they said yes immediately. >> reporter: the last time producers managed to bring this many big names together, it was after 9/11. ♪ i've seen the lights go out on broadway ♪ >> reporter: 121212 has already raise third degree $2 million in sponsorship before a single note has been played. >> rolling stone, who, kanye west alicia keys eric clapton, and other surprise